$1,750 donation raised for hunger relief.  Three local hunger-fighting agencies recently each received a $583.33 donation from sales of Olin Community Credit Union’s 75th Anniversary Cookbook. During celebration of the credit union’s 75th anniversary, a cookbook was assembled with hundreds of recipes from credit union members, employees, and family members.  Proceeds were donated to Crisis Food Center in Alton, Operation Blessing in Wood River, and The Salvation Army, in Jerseyville.

CCU to celebrate 80 years.  Consumers Credit Union (CCU) celebrates 80 years of serving the local community at its annual meeting on Wednesday, March 10th, at the Milan Banquet Hall in Waukegan. The meeting is open to all members of the credit union and the agenda includes elections to fill four positions on the board of directors.  "Consumers Credit Union welcomes members to our 80th Annual Meeting," noted Sean M. Rathjen, CCU President. "In addition to discussing our financial performance and voting for the Board, the annual meeting also offers a great opportunity to thank members for their business and share a little credit union history." Approximately 300 members and guests are expected to attend the meeting. Tickets are available at all CCU branches for $15 on a first-come, first served basis; no tickets will be sold at the door.

GCS to award Nicole R. Thorp Scholarship.  GCS Federal Credit Union will award the $1,000 Nicole R. Thorp Scholarship to a Get Mo’ Green teen club member this May.  Nicole R. Thorp, who the scholarship is now named after, was a big believer in helping out where needed.  GCS tragically lost Nicole in December 2009 and her credit union family wants Nicole’s enthusiasm to live on with this scholarship.  The scholarship application also requires candidates to submit an essay explaining why saving and budgeting are important habits to develop.  GCS tries to guide youth in developing and reaching savings goals and wants to hear how its teens have succeeded.  In 2009, GCS launched the Get Mo’ Green teen club for youth ages 14-18.  To become a club member, youth only need to have an open share savings account ($5 minimum) with GCS.  Club membership is free.  Nicole R. Thorp Scholarship applications will be accepted through April 30, 2010.  The scholarship money will be presented to one chosen Get Mo’ Green member in early May.

Land of Lincoln announces promotion/new hire.  Land of Lincoln Credit Union (LLCU) has recently promoted Becky Stubblefield to marketing coordinator. Stubblefield has previously worked at LLCU as a teller and most recently as the president’s administrative assistant for four years.  In addition to better serve its members, Land of Lincoln Credit Union now offers a full range of business loans. To that end, Bruce Moore has joined LLCU as the Vice President of Commercial Lending where he will assist members with the new services at the LLCU Oakland Avenue branch in Decatur.

NuMark CU helps community save money at Expo.  NuMark Credit Union promoted its many financial services, such as mortgages and home equity loans, with coupons for a free loan consultation. Financial Service Representative Maria Alcantar said, "Our hope is that we can offer a lower rate and secure financial health. It is our mission to place a new member in the best possible product enabling them to make smarter choices in the future, not only about finances, but about all facets of life." NuMark aims to educate the community about the importance of a well-rounded financial future.  One lucky drawing winner was chosen randomly from over 200 entries to take home a $100 Visa gift card.

Passings.  Clifford Hokanson passed away on Feb. 19 at the Woodside Hospice Center.  He was 86.  Mr. Hokanson was president and treasurer of the Valley Bell Credit Union in Elgin for 39 years.  Clif was originally elected to the board in 1953, serving as president/manager until 1988 and treasurer until 1989.  At various times, he served on the supervisory, credit and membership committees.  He remained on the credit union's board as a director through 1991.  He was also very active with the Fox Valley Chapter of Credit Unions, including serving as chapter chairman for nine years.  Clif moved to Largo, Florida in 2000 with his wife, Shirley, of 36 years.  He is survived by his son, his daughter, three step-children, several grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Memorial services will be held at Anona Methodist Church in Largo, and the First Congregational Church of Elgin. 

USA ONE Credit Union employees bailed out.  They say that a true friend is one you call to bail you out of jail.  Luckily participants in the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s mock MDA Lock-Up 2010 fundraiser, including USA One Credit Union’s Chief Financial Officer Karen Gilliam-Brown and Matteson Branch Manager Sylvia Salinas, were only being held in a plastic jail cell set up in a nearby Olive Garden restaurant.  But they definitely appreciated the support received from their fellow credit union members, colleagues, friends and business associates who pledged various amounts to help ensure that the two law abiding citizens weren’t detained for long!  The Matteson area Lock-Up raised a total of $43,000 to help accelerate MDA’s worldwide research program and continue to provide diagnostic and follow-up care through 220 clinics nationwide.